KR20120004495A - Microbial scrubbing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The microbial cleaning brush in one embodiment of the present invention employs an insert of foam material containing an antimicrobial fungicide and sealed up by a removable lead contained within the housing of the alcohol compound material. The insert is kept in sterile conditions until ready for use. After removal of the lid, the insert of foam material is moved over the end or other portion of the female luer of the medical device and rotated to clean the external surface as well as the internal luminal surface of the device. In one embodiment, the insert includes a plurality of elastic fingers that substantially occupy the cross-sectional area of the cavity to clean both the outer and inner luminal surfaces of the medical device.

Description

Microbial cleaning device {MICROBIAL SCRUBBING DEVICE}

Correlated references

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 211,607, filed April 1, 2009, entitled "Scrub Brush." This application is also part of US Patent Application No. 11 / 732,075, filed April 2, 2007, entitled "Microbial Scrub Brush." Each of these applications is incorporated herein in its entirety.

In short, embodiments of the present invention employ a swab in the form of a portion of foam material containing an antimicrobial fungicide, in which a female luer or the like is a foam material around the luer. It may be inserted for cleaning upon rotation of a portion of the.

The swap is also arranged within the housing to allow a user to manipulate the swap using the fingers of the hand. In this regard, the swap is secured in the housing, for example by an adhesive, such that after insertion of the female luer into the swap, the housing and thus the swap can be rotated by the user about the surface of the luer. In addition, the housing is provided with a display portion for displaying to the user the total number of revolutions of the housing about the luer when in use.

After securing the swap in the housing, a removable lid is placed on the housing to maintain the sterility of the swap prior to use.

In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide a microbial removal brush comprising a housing forming a cavity, an insert of foam material disposed within the cavity, and an antimicrobial fungicide in the insert.

The housing is sized to be easily handled using two or three fingers of the hand. In addition, the housing is sized so that the female luer can be easily inserted into the insert within the housing cavity.

In one embodiment, the insert is provided with an annulus for enclosing the outer surface of the female luer as well as the central portion for insertion in the central passage of the female luer to sterilize the interior of the female luer.

The insert of the foam material can be any suitable material, such as a semi-closed hydrophilic polyurethane medical grade foam. In addition, the foam material may be a closed foam, an open foam or a semi-closed foam.

The antimicrobial fungicide can be in any suitable form and can be in any suitable amount depending on the size of the insert of the foam material. For example, an aqueous solution containing about 2 percent (2%) clohexidine gluconate (chlorohexidine solution) in an amount of about 0.20 cc to about 0.75 cc, such as about 0.50 cc in one embodiment. This can be used.

The cleaning brush is also provided with a lid to seal the cavity and insert from the surrounding environment and to keep the insert in the housing under sterile conditions. The lid may also be formed with pull tabs to facilitate removal of the lid from the housing when a brush is used.

In normal operation, the lid is removed from the brush to expose the end of the insert in the housing. The brush is then placed over the exposed female luer, ie the needleless connector and rotated for example for two complete turns. During rotation, the brush will self-screw onto the female luer until the luer reaches the bottom. For example, after achieving two full turns, the brush can be removed by sliding the brush off the lure and discarded according to a standard hospital protocol.

In one embodiment, the cleaning brush includes an insert including a plurality of elastic fingers that substantially occupy the cross-sectional area of the cavity to enable cleaning of both the outer surface and the inner luminal surface of the medical device.

These and other features of embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of the present invention as set forth below.

Further characteristic description of the invention will be provided with reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these figures illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described and described in further detail and detail using the accompanying drawings.
1 illustrates a perspective view of a cleaning brush for microorganisms according to one embodiment.
2 shows an exploded view of the cleaning brush of FIG. 1.
3 shows a perspective view of the housing of the cleaning brush of FIG. 2.
4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning brush of FIG. 1.
5 shows a detailed view of the surface of the housing of FIG. 4.
6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modified housing according to one embodiment.
7 shows a perspective view of an insert of the cleaning brush of FIG. 2,
8 shows a view of a female luer inserted into an insert of a cleaning brush according to one embodiment.
9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modified insert according to one embodiment.
10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another modified insert according to one embodiment.
11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another modified insert according to one embodiment.
12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a die cut-in insert according to one embodiment.
13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modified die cut insert according to one embodiment.
14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another modified die cut insert according to one embodiment.
15 shows a modified surface on a housing for receiving a closure lid.
16 shows a side view of a modified housing according to one embodiment.
FIG. 17 shows a rear closed end view of the housing of FIG. 16.
FIG. 18 shows a front open end view of the housing of FIG. 16.
19 shows a perspective view of a foamed plastic insert according to one embodiment.
20A shows a perspective view of a foamed plastic insert according to one embodiment.
20B shows a perspective view of a foamed plastic insert according to one embodiment.
FIG. 21 shows a plan view of the insert of FIG. 19 in a holder of circular cross-sectional shape to form a cleaning brush according to one embodiment.
FIG. 22 shows a view of a catheter screwed out of place in order to be inserted and pivoted in the cleaning brush of FIG. 21.
FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning brush of FIG. 21 during rotation of the catheter screwed out of FIG. 22.
FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning brush and the catheter screwed out at one point during the rotation of the catheter in the foam insert of the cleaning brush.
25 shows a perspective view of a material of a sheet for use in a cleaning brush according to one embodiment.
FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of the sheet of FIG. 25 in a roll up and slit configuration to form an insert of a cleaning brush.
FIG. 27 shows a side cross-sectional view of the holder of the cleaning brush comprising the roll up and slit sheet of FIG. 26 disposed in the cavity of the holder according to the present invention.

Reference numerals will now be used in the drawings, wherein like structures will be provided with like reference numerals. It is to be understood that the drawings are schematic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not necessarily limited to size or necessarily illustrated.

For clarity, the word "proximal" refers to a direction that is relatively closer to the clinician using the device described herein, while the word "distal" is from the clinician. It can be seen that it refers to a relatively farther direction. For example, the end of the catheter lying within the body of the patient is considered the distal end of the catheter, while the catheter end remaining outside the body is the proximal end of the catheter. Also, the words "including", "has" and "having" as used herein, including the claims, have the same meaning as the words "comprising". Will have

1 and 2, the microbial cleaning brush 20 comprises a housing 21, a swab in the form of an insert 22, and a lid 23. .

3 and 4, the housing 21 is a cup-shaped unitary body, and is formed of a cylindrical shape cavity having an open end by being formed of a base 24 and a ring 25 integrally formed with the base 24. 26). The housing 21 is made by injection molding and consists of an alcohol compatible material, for example polypropylene or polyethylene.

As indicated in FIG. 4, the cavity 26 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the housing 21. The overall dimensions of the housing 21 are determined so that the housing 21 can be easily handled and rotated using two or three fingers of the hand. For example, the housing 21 may have an outer diameter of 1.8415 cm (0.725 inches) and a length of 1.651 cm (0.650 inches). In another embodiment, the housing includes an outer diameter of about 1.905 cm (0.75 inches) and a length of about 0.2286 cm (0.90 inches). Of course, other housing dimensions are possible, consistent with the characteristics of the intended use.

Referring to FIG. 3, the housing 21 has a plurality of ribs 27 of the outer surface of the ring 25 to provide a gripping surface. Any other suitable form of knurling may also be used. The housing 21 is plural on the inner surface of the ring 25 extending into the cavity 26 to engage with the insert 22 (not shown) to prevent the insert 22 from rotating in the cavity 17. Ribs 28 may also be included.

Optionally, the insert 22 can be adhesively fixed against rotation in the housing 21.

With reference to FIG. 4, the housing 21 is on the outer surface, for example, a protruding index, to indicate the angle of rotation of the housing 21 in use and in particular the number of revolutions the brush 20 rotates during use. An indicia in the form of a bar 29 is provided.

With reference to FIG. 5, the housing 21 has an annular boss 30 at one end concentric with the cavity 26 for heat sealing the lid 23. In contrast, the lid 23 is a die-cut foil lid coated with a material that easily heat seals the polypropylene housing 21 through the boss 30. As indicated in FIG. 1, the lid 23 is provided with a pull tab 31 extending from the lid and from the housing 21 to facilitate passive removal of the lid 23 from the housing 21.

Referring to FIG. 6, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and the housing 21 ′ may also be of two configurations. For example, the housing 21 'includes a base 24' that receives the ring 25 'in a fixed relationship. As indicated, the base 24 'is shouldered annular to receive the ring 25' in a recessed manner such that a smooth outer surface is provided by the base 24 'and the ring 25'. an annular portion 32.

In addition, the ring 25 'is formed with a lip 33 directed inward at an end opposite to the base 24' so as to retain the insert 22 (not shown) therein.

4 and 7, the insert 22 may be, for example, a foam material of an injection molded structure, or the insert 22 may be die-cut from a foam sheet. The insert 22 is mounted in the housing 21 so as to be exposed to the open end of the housing 21.

The distal end 34 of the insert 22 is flat and slightly recessed in the open end of the housing 21, the proximal end of the insert 22 is flat and suitable adhesive on the base 24 of the housing 21. It can be fixed by. Typically, insert 22 has an outer diameter of 1.42875 cm (9/16 inch (0.5625 inch)).

The insert 22 comprises an annular part 35 and a central part 36 having a flat end in the annular part 35. The flat end of the central portion 36 may be coplanar with the end of the annular portion 35 as indicated in FIG. 7 or it is recessed in the annular portion 35 as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 8. Can be.

As shown in FIG. 8, the two insert portions 35, 36 are spaced circumferentially, forming an annular gap 37 therebetween. The annular portion 35 also has a conical inwardly facing surface 38 that provides a narrow entrance to the gap 37 for the female luer 40, while the central portion 36 has a taper of the female luer 40. It has an outer conical surface 39 in which a 6% taper is formed to engage.

The exterior of the insert 22 may be formed to mate and internally engage with the internal ribs 28 of the housing 21 (see FIG. 3) to prevent rotation of the insert 22 within the housing 21.

Insert 22 consists of a hydrophilic polyurethane medical grade foam with moderate absorption, a semi-closed cell. The foam composition and size is adapted to maintain 0.5 cc of antimicrobial solution without the solution leaking.

During assembly of the cleaning brush 20, the insert 22 is first fixed in the housing 21 and then contains an antimicrobial solution. Thereafter, the lid 23 is fixed to the housing 21.

Referring to FIG. 8, the insert 22 is sized such that a female luer 40 having an outer peripheral surface 41, a central passage 42, and a flange 43 for the passage 42 is used. As indicated, the annular portion 35 of the insert 22 is sized to surround and wipe the outer surface 41 of the female luer 40, and the central portion 36 is to wipe the passage 42. It is sized to move into the passage 42 of the female luer 40.

In normal operation, the lid 23 is removed to expose the insert 22, and the brush 20 has a female luer 40 with a gap between the two portions 35, 36 of the insert 22. 37) positioned above the female luer 40 in an inserted state. The conical inlet portion 38 of the insert 22 facilitates the centering of the brush 20 on the luer 40.

Next, the brush 20 is rotated. Rotation of the brush 20 causes the passage 42 of the luer 40 to reach the bottom from the base of the gap 37 formed by the annular portion 35 and the center portion 36 of the insert 22. This results in self-threading of the insert 22 into the shell. Typically, brush 20 is rotated twice in 360 degrees. Upon completion of two complete turns, brush 20 may slide brush 20 out of lure 40 and be removed and discarded.

When sealed by the lid 23, the housing 21 of the cleaning brush 20 protects against the drying out of the insert 22 and after removal of the lid 23 a female luer or its It is provided as a convenient holder for wiping of the insert 22 for such a thing.

Referring to FIG. 9, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and the central portion 36 of the insert 22 ′ is a rounded end or crown 44 that is not a flat surface as indicated in FIG. 8. Can be formed. The round crown 44 is particularly useful where the cleaning brush 20 is used to clean a swappable luer having a flat end or the like (not shown). In this case, the apex of the crown 44 will first contact the flat end of the swappable luer in a point-to-point manner. Then, when the brush 20 is pushed further against the luer, the crown 44 is compressed to compress the central portion 36 of the insert 22 '. Then, when the brush is rotated, a cleaning action takes place between the surface of the currently compressed central portion 36 and the luer surface.

Referring to FIG. 10, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and insert 22 ″ may be configured without a gap between annular portion 35 and center portion 36. In this embodiment , The two parts 35, 36 are adjacent to each other and form a slit 45 rather than a gap for accommodating the luer. In addition, the central part 36 spans the same space as the annular part 35, That is, the central portion 36 is not recessed, and a conical tapered surface 46 is provided at the inlet end to the slit 45 to form a small gap with the annular portion 35.

Referring to FIG. 11, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and insert 22 ′ ″ extends to the full depth of center 36 without the conical inlet portion as in FIG. 8. An annular gap 37 may be constructed between 35 and central portion 36.

Referring to FIG. 12, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and insert 47 is die cut to form a slit 45 with the two parts 35 and 36 adjacent to each other. As shown, the slit 45 extends from the face of the insert 47 and terminates short of the rear end of the insert 47. Alternatively, the slit 45 may extend completely through the insert 47 ′ as shown in FIG. 13. In addition, the central portion 36 may be pushed against the annular portion 35 to extend beyond the annular portion 36 as shown in FIG. 14. In this latter case, the exposed rear end 48 of the central portion 36 may extend into a recess 49 formed in the base 24 of the housing 21 (see FIG. 4) and be internally by the adhesive. Can be fixed.

Referring to FIG. 15, the like reference features indicate like parts as above, and the housing ring 25 is a flat surface configured to receive the adhesive to secure the lid 23 (see FIG. 4) in place. 50) or the lid 23 may be heat sealed in place.

Referring to FIGS. 16-18, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and the housing 51 includes a plurality of adjacent flat surfaces 52 for easier grip by the fingers of the user's hand. It may consist of a polygonal outer cross section, such as a hexagonal cross section to provide a. These surfaces 52 are configured to facilitate gripping and can roughen the surface. In addition, one or more flat surfaces may be provided with an indication similar to the manufacturer's logo or the like.

The housing 51 has a short flange 53 at the open end which is also provided to form the surface 50 for receiving the lid 23 as described above.

The housing 51 also has a cavity 26 of polygonal shape complementary to its outer cross section to provide a plurality of flat walls 54. Cavity 26 and walls 54 are sized to receive insert 22 in compression conditions. That is, for a cylindrical insert 22 having a diameter of 1.42875 cm (9/16 inch), the oppositely disposed walls 54 are spaced apart by 1.27 cm (0.500 inch), and the oppositely disposed edges formed by the walls 54 The portions 55 are spaced at 1.40462 cm (0.553 inches). Accordingly, the insert 22 is compressed in the circumferential direction in the cavity 26.

In the case where the luer is inserted into the insert 22 in the housing 51, the degree of compression imparted on the insert 22 when positioned in the housing 51 causes the insert to wipe the surface of the luer in a cleaning action. .

The cleaning brush 20 can be deformed in various ways. For example, if the device to be cleaned does not have a central passage, the insert 22 of the cleaning brush 20 can be made without the central portion 36. In this embodiment, the cleaning brush can be positioned over the end of the device and then rotated to screw with the cleaning brush over the end of the device for sterilization purposes. Also in this embodiment, having an insert mounted in the housing in a circumferentially compressed manner will promote the sterilization action of the cleaning brush on the device.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus that is easily handled and capable of sterilizing female lures in an easy manner. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a device capable of sterilizing the interior of the female luer. This is a particular advantage over cloth type wipes that cannot be easily inserted into the female luer passage.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an insert that contains an antimicrobial solution and can be easily manipulated in use to prevent contamination of the luer area embedded in sterile conditions until ready for use.

19 to 27 show more details of the microbial cleaning apparatus according to the embodiments of the present invention. Many of the shapes described above can be included in the cleaning apparatuses described below, and only selected shapes are included in the following description. As such, the following description is not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Referring to FIG. 19, the foamed plastic insert 110 includes a cubic shape. The insert 110 is also finger shaped to form separate parallel fingers 112 of rectangular cross-sectional shape, ie cross-cut by the slits 111 in each of the two orthogonal directions. cut) The slits 111 may comprise a major portion of the height of the insert 110, for example about the height of the insert 110, such that the fingers 112 extend integrally and upwardly from the common base 113 of the rectangular cross-sectional shape. Extend 3/4 downward. As shown, the slits 111 are spaced apart to form a 4 × 4 grid of fingers 112.

In one embodiment, the foam insert 110 includes a length of 1.5875 cm (5/8 inch), a width of 1.5875 cm (5/8 inch) and a height of 1.905 cm (3/4 inch). However, it will be appreciated that the shape and size of the foam insert as well as the length of the fingers may vary from what is explicitly described herein. For example, instead of including a rectangular cross-sectional shape, the fingers in one embodiment may comprise a triangular, circular or other polygonal shape.

In one embodiment, it can be seen that insert 110 comprises a semi-closed cell, hydrophilic polyurethane medical grade foam in this embodiment. In another embodiment, insert 110 comprises a low density closed cell polyethylene foam. It will be appreciated that the insert 110 in other embodiments may include other suitable materials. Features of suitable materials include sufficient deformability, the ability to retain cleaning materials such as antimicrobial solutions, suitable resistance to rupture or separation, and the stability of the presence of cleaning materials. In one embodiment, a closed cell material can be employed that includes sufficient surface tension to suspend the cleaning material on the surface of the fingers. In other embodiments, among other suitable materials, including closed cell polyurethanes, semi-closed or open cell polyurethanes, silicones, polyethylenes, and rubbers and polypropylene sold under the names SANTOPRENE Thermoplastic elastomers may be employed to form the insert.

In addition, in one embodiment, the insert may include two or more materials included together to provide other areas with other cleaning features, for example, other abrasive features. Therefore, these and other variations to the insert are contemplated.

Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and the foam insert shows a different number of fingers 112, ie 3 × 3 of the fingers 112 in the insert 110 ′. It may have slits 111 that form a 5 × 5 grid of fingers 112 in a grid or insert 110 ″. Space of slits 111 may be good for 112 with any suitable number of inserts 110. In any state suitable for the number and / or size of the inserts and the application for which the insert 110 is used, any suitable number of fingers 112 may be formed in the insert 110. The shape and size of the insert may be incorporated together. It will also be appreciated that they may vary depending on the shape, size and number of fingers.

Referring to FIG. 21, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and insert 110 also has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape to form a cleaning brush 115 similar to the cleaning brush described in previous embodiments above. It is located in the holder 114. The holder 114 is opposed to the opposite inner walls (1/2 inch) spaced apart by 1/2 inch so that when the insert 110 is fitted into the cavity of the holder 114 as indicated in FIG. Size). Suitable hot melt adhesives or other suitable adhesives may be used to adhere the insert 110 to the bottom of the holder 114. Of course, other suitable methods may be employed to secure the insert 110 to the holder 114, including for example mechanical fixation. In one embodiment, once the insert is inserted therein, the compression provided by the holder is sufficient to keep the insert in place within the holder.

Referring to FIG. 22, the cavity of the holder 114 includes a depth suitable for receiving the insert 110 in a recessed manner. If so disposed within the holder 114, the insert 110 in this embodiment substantially fills the cavity of the holder. In other embodiments, the insert may be sized to fill the holder cavity to a depth different than that shown herein.

When placed in the cavity of the holder 114, the insert 110 substantially occupies the cross-sectional area of the cavity as best shown in FIG. 21. This may allow the finger to be placed across a cross-sectional area sufficient to clean both the outer and inner surfaces of the portion of the medical device inserted into the holder 114. It will be appreciated that the holder and the cavity defining it may assume other shapes, including squares, circles, and the like. In addition, the holder, its cavity and the insert disposed therein can be configured in shape and size to enable the cleaning brush 115 to clean a particular size and configuration of the medical device.

As in the previous embodiments, a cleaning material, such as a solution of a suitable microbialcide or fungicide, is contained into the insert 110 while in the holder 114. The cleaning material may comprise any form and suitable amount of antimicrobial fungicide, depending on the size of the insert of the foam material. For example, in one embodiment, an aqueous solution comprising about 2 percent (2%) clohexidine gluconate (chlorohexidine solution, "CHG") in an amount of about 0.20 cc to about 0.75 cc. This can be used. Optionally, a solution comprising about 0.50 cc is employed. In another embodiment, a solution comprising about 70 percent (70%) isopropyl alcohol ("IPA") in an aqueous solution is included in the wash material. In yet another embodiment, a solution comprising about 70 percent (70%) IPA and about 2 percent (2%) CHG in an aqueous solution in an amount of about 0.2 ml is included in the wash material. In the latter solution, in one embodiment, the concentration of IPA can vary from about 60 percent (60%) to about 90 percent (90%), and the concentration of CHG is from about 1 percent (1%) to about 5 percent It can be seen that it can be changed to (5%).

Other suitable solution compositions and concentrations are also possible. For example, in one embodiment, povidone iodine or hydrogen peroxide solutions may be included in the wash material.

In the case of liquids, good features for the cleaning material include a solution containing a suitable surface tension to be retained by the fingers and allow for cleaning contact with the portion of the medical device to be cleaned.

Referring to FIG. 23, like reference features indicate like parts as above, and holder 114 is internal and internal to holder 114 against contamination from the external environment until cleaning brush 115 is used. An annular lip 116 is included around the tip edge to define an area for receiving a sealing membrane (not shown) that seals the solution-containing insert 110.

In one embodiment, the cleaning brush 115 introduces, for example, microbial seeds or bactericides at the time and point of use by injecting or otherwise introducing a cleaning material or bactericide after the sealing membrane is removed from the holder 114. It will be appreciated that a cleaning material comprising can be provided.

In one embodiment, the use of the cleaning brush 115 as a cleaning device proceeds as follows. After removal of the sealing membrane by the user, an object to be cleaned, for example an external threaded hollow catheter 117 or a portion of the female luer connector, is inserted by the user into the foam insert 110. At this time, as indicated in FIG. 23, the fingers 112 of the insert 110 directly below the surfaces of the insert of the catheter 117 are indented into the holder 114, and the fingers located outside the periphery of the catheter The fingers are held upright and placed against the outer peripheral surface of the catheter portion and the fingers located just below the lumen (bore) of the catheter pass into the lumen. The separate actions of the fingers 112 are facilitated by the fingers 112 which are formed in a finger-shaped manner so as to be separated from each other as described above.

When a portion of the catheter 117 is inserted into the foam insert 110 of the cleaning brush 115, the holder 114 is rotated relative to the catheter portion. For example, the user may keep the catheter 117 stationary and rotate the cleaning brush 115, or vice versa. In either case, the cleaning brush 115 is rotated a sufficient number of times with respect to the catheter 117 to sufficiently remove any bacteria, for example, filed March 31, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As described in US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 079,965, the foamed insert 110 containing the solution is free from the outer peripheral surface and the outer screw as well as the inner surface of the lumen (bore) of the catheter 117. Contact with the biofilm and / or remove the biofilm. In this manner, both the outer and inner luminal surfaces of the portion of the catheter 117 are cleaned by respective fingers 112 of the insert 110 such that the cleaning material carried by the fingers is surfaced. Are sterilized to remove any biofilm disposed thereon. In one embodiment, it can be seen that about a series of six to ten rotations of the cleaning brush 115 relative to the catheter 117 are suitable for cleaning the surfaces described above. In other embodiments, other rotations are possible. In yet another embodiment, torsional movement back and forth is employed to clean the finger against the portion of the medical device being cleaned. In the latter case, different numbers of torsion or uniform / multi-directional movements are of course possible, but eight consecutive back and forth twists are employed according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 24, the like reference features indicate like parts as above, and the finger 112 passing into the lumen 118 of the catheter 117 when the catheter 117 is inserted into the foam insert 110. They are partially compressed due to the friction between the inner luminal wall of lumen 118 and the fingers 112 in contact with it. The degree of compression improves the degree of contact between the fingers 112 and the luminal wall of the lumen 118, thus improving the cleaning action of the fingers 112 on the luminal wall. It can be seen that the same cleaning enhancement is realized on the fingers in contact with the outer portions of the catheter 117 and with other suitable portions of the medical devices cleaned by a cleaning brush comprising a female luer connector, for example. .

As indicated in FIG. 24, a medical device such as a male or female luer, a standard or needleless connector, or other object inserted into the cleaning brush 115 may include any suitable internal luminal surface or lumen 118 as well. It may have any suitable peripheral shape or contour for the outer surface. Lumen 118 may be conical tapered as shown, or may be a uniform diameter. In other embodiments, no internal luminal surface is included.

25-27 show various details of a cleaning apparatus including an insert configured according to one embodiment. In particular, the sheet 200 of suitable material shown in FIG. 25 is rolled into a roll-up configuration as shown in FIG. 26 to form the insert 210. The plurality of slits 211 are cut into the rolled sheet 200 at a predetermined distance to form the plurality of fingers 212. As shown in FIG. 27, the roll-up insert 210 may be inserted into the cavity of the holder 114 of the cleaning brush 115, with a suitable cleaning material added thereto.

Sheet 200 may comprise any of a variety of suitable materials including polyurethane foams, polyethylene foams, or other suitable natural or synthetic materials. In addition, the materials from which the sheet 200 is formed may include homogeneous woven, knit, fibrous, or nonwoven configurations, among others. In the case of a fibrous material, the fibers of the material are aligned in parallel with the slits in one embodiment in order to impart suitable burst resistance to the fingers.

Embodiments of the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of embodiments is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims (21)

Cleaning device for cleaning a portion of a medical device,
A holder defining a cavity sized to receive a portion of the medical device therein;
Disposed within the cavity and capable of retaining the cleaning material to clean both the inner luminal surface and the outer surface of the portion of the medical device when a portion of the medical device is received within the cavity and the fingers are moved relative to the portion of the medical device. A cleaning insert having a plurality of elastic fingers
Cleaning device. The method of claim 1,
The cleaning insert includes a base portion through which the fingers extend
Cleaning device. The method of claim 1,
Fingers are formed by a plurality of cross-cut slits in a block of elastic material
Cleaning device. The method of claim 1,
The fingers are generally aligned with each other and the fingers comprise at least one of a hydrophilic polyurethane and polyethylene foam
Cleaning device. The method of claim 1,
The cleaning material is preloaded into the fingers and includes microbialside in solution.
Cleaning device. The method of claim 5,
The microbialside in solution comprises at least one of chlorhexidine gluconate and isopropyl alcohol.
Cleaning device. The method of claim 6,
The microbialside in the solution comprises at least 2 percent by volume of chlorhexidine gluconate.
Cleaning device. The method of claim 1,
Fingers occupy substantially the cross-sectional area of the cavity
Cleaning device. The method of claim 1,
The cleaning insert includes a first plurality of fingers with a first material and a second plurality of fingers with a second material.
Cleaning device. The method of claim 1,
The holder generally defines a polygonal shape, the holder further comprising a cap to cover the opening for the cavity formed by the holder.
Cleaning device. For cleaning a portion of a medical device,
Providing a cleaning device comprising a plurality of resilient fingers substantially filling at least a cross-sectional area of the cavity and a holder defining a cavity disposed in both the cleaning material;
Inserting a portion of the medical device into the cavity;
Moving the fingers relative to the medical device to clean both the outer and inner surfaces of the portion of the medical device.
How to wash. The method of claim 11,
Inserting a portion of the medical device into the cavity further includes inserting the portion of the medical device into the cavity such that compression engagement of the fingers is achieved between the fingers and the portion of the medical device.
How to wash. The method of claim 11,
Inserting a portion of the medical device into the cavity may cause the at least one of the fingers to compressively engage the inner luminal surface of the portion of the medical device and the plurality of fingers to compressively engage the outer surface of the portion of the medical device. Further comprising inserting a portion of the medical device into the cavity
How to wash. The method of claim 11,
Moving the fingers relative to the medical device further includes rotating the holder relative to the medical device such that the fingers are cleaned with respect to the portion of the medical device.
How to wash. The method of claim 14,
Rotating the holder further includes rotating the holder sufficiently to remove the biofilm from the portion of the medical device with the fingers of the cleaning device.
How to wash. Cleaning device for cleaning a portion of a medical device,
A holder defining a cavity having an open end for receiving a portion of the medical device into the cavity;
An insert disposed in the cavity of the holder and having a plurality of elastic fingers extending continuously from the base and the base, the fingers being sized to engage the outer surface and the inner luminal surface of a portion of the medical device;
A cleaning material embedded in the fingers to clean the outer surface and inner luminal surface when the surfaces engage the fingers.
Cleaning device. The method of claim 16,
The cross-sectional shape of the plurality of fingers may be at least one of a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, and a polygon.
Cleaning device. The method of claim 17,
The fingers are compressed by at least one of the interior wall of the holder and the portion of the medical device when a portion of the medical device is inserted into the cavity.
Cleaning device. The method of claim 18,
The cavity forms a substantially circular or polygonal volume, the insert forms a substantially rectangular shape such that the insert deforms when positioned in the cavity, and the insert substantially fills the volume of the cavity.
Cleaning device. 20. The method of claim 19,
The insert comprises a polyurethane foam and the fingers are arranged in a 5 × 5 grid
Cleaning device. Cleaning device for cleaning a portion of a medical device,
A holder defining a cavity comprising an open end for receiving a portion of the medical device into the cavity;
An insert comprising a material of a rolled sheet disposed in the cavity and having a plurality of slits forming a plurality of fingers sized to engage a portion of the medical device;
A cleaning material contained in the fingers for cleaning the portion of the medical device when the portion is engaged by the fingers.
Cleaning device.

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